Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Grace like a River: An Autobiography” as Want to Read:
Grace like a River: An Autobiography
by
Christopher Parkening
,
Kathy Tyers
(Goodreads Author)
This book details Christopher Parkening's rise to fame as one of the world's preeminent virtuosos of the classical guitar?and everything it cost him to get there. In spite of his enormous success, he discovered that without true meaning and purpose, all his worldly accomplishments were empty and unsatisfying.
Grace Like a River
is the story of a young man, filled with dete
...more
Hardcover
,
304 pages
Published
May 22nd 2006
by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
(first published May 8th 2006)
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
Grace like a River
,
please sign up
.
Be the first to ask a question about Grace like a River
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
77)
I have a mixed cassette of Christopher Parkening recordings buried in the basement. He's a great classical guitar player that I haven't given much though to - until now.
As soon as I got into this book I dug out my old tape and gave it a listen: He's even better than I assumed, especially when you crank his recordings really loud and pretend you are in a concert hall. So it was great to hear him discuss his many concerts and recording adventures. Who ever thought being a classical guitarist coul ...more
As soon as I got into this book I dug out my old tape and gave it a listen: He's even better than I assumed, especially when you crank his recordings really loud and pretend you are in a concert hall. So it was great to hear him discuss his many concerts and recording adventures. Who ever thought being a classical guitarist coul ...more
Parkening's autobiography is interested as it shows the factors that lead him to become one of the best classical guitarists of his generation.
His father was a major force, involved in his study plans and always driving him forward.
His work with Segovia over the years gives insight into Segovia's ideals regarding technique and interpretation.
Chapters on the guitar are interspersed with chapters on fly fishing.
In his early thirties, Parkening became heavily religious. Most of his achievements in ...more
His father was a major force, involved in his study plans and always driving him forward.
His work with Segovia over the years gives insight into Segovia's ideals regarding technique and interpretation.
Chapters on the guitar are interspersed with chapters on fly fishing.
In his early thirties, Parkening became heavily religious. Most of his achievements in ...more
A great insight into what it's like to be a pro guitar player, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially Parkening's anecdotes about the many famous people he met throughout his career. The second half talks a lot more about his religion and reliance on God, but no matter your personal beliefs it's interesting to see how his own helped him shape his career.
A charming autobiography of Chris Parkening. His father was a strict taskmaster and abusive. Never the less, Parkening, like other virtuoso guitarists fell in love with the recordings of Andres Segovia and pursued that amazing sound with all of his heart. Even when is teacher for several years told his parents to stop listening to Segovia, he continued and achieved excellence as well as became a favorite player of the man himself.
Parkening is also very open about his journey of faith and this to ...more
Parkening is also very open about his journey of faith and this to ...more
This book is about a young man who’s willing to sacrifice everything in order to achieve the highest level of excellence. And also, it’s a story of how God pursued him in order to give him true meaning and purpose that turned his enormous success into full and deeply satisfying accomplishment.
I would give this a 2.5 star rating....some where between it was ok and I liked it.
There is some interesting background info on what it's like to be a touring and recording musician. I found the tone to be somewhat negative though.
His stories about fly fishing are more enjoyable to read.
BTW - guitarist Liona Boyd also has a book out about her life.
I've only read through sections but it is much more positive than Parkening's book and full of interesting info of behind the scenes activity of recor ...more
There is some interesting background info on what it's like to be a touring and recording musician. I found the tone to be somewhat negative though.
His stories about fly fishing are more enjoyable to read.
BTW - guitarist Liona Boyd also has a book out about her life.
I've only read through sections but it is much more positive than Parkening's book and full of interesting info of behind the scenes activity of recor ...more
I liked this more than I thought I would. You can forgive slightly cheesy writing when it's someone's autobiography and they're not a writer. This book supports my theory that you can't be truly great at something without it consuming your life to the exclusion of all else. He did find God though and a lot of what he says about being a Christian rings true. Except for doing everything to glorify God. God doesn't need us to glorify Him--He already is glorified. He needs us to be instruments in Hi
...more
I love this man! His guitar touch is unique! There's nothing more intense that his interpretation of classic guitar masterpieces. His biography is an example of devotion and determination, along with deep faith in God. If you have never listen to anything played by Christopher Parkening immediately surf you-tube and listen to it! Thank you Christopher for the gift of your talent!
Poor Christopher has serious issues - horrified by what his father put him through to make him into a professional musician of world renown. Does it really take this level of effort, and frankly abuse, to make it to the upper echelons of artistic endeavor? Liked the fly fishing chapters.
I read very few biographies, but read this since it's about one of the best classical guitarists in the world. Presented his life and his two passions, classical guitar and fly fishing, and also delved into his Christian faith.
Loving this book. Christopher Parkening has a wonderful ability to spin a tale about his life as a classical guitarist and fly fisherman. It is entertaining and thought provoking.
Mr. Parkening has an incredible life! Very inspirational! Sincere, simplistic, straightforward, and fascinating. God has truly placed his hand on this renowned musician's life!
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
![The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Vol. 1: The Art and Technique of the Classical Guitar [With CD (Audio)]](http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348123108m/7012296.jpg "The Christopher Parkening Guitar Method, Vol. 1: The Art and Technique of the Classical Guitar [With CD (Audio)]")
